Somebody wearing headphones looking at a laptop waving

FoCUS

What do we do?

FoCUS holds public meetings where NHS Managers learn from people who have experienced these services, what works well and what could be improved.

Who can join?

FoCUS members are carers and people who currently use services or have used services in the last five years. (Members must be 18 years +)

How much time do I need to provide?

We hold a meeting for each geographical area each month and meet either virtually or in person.

If you are unable to attend meetings you can still be involved. We send regular updates by post or email and you can give us your views. You can also follow us on Twitter @FoCUS_SaBP or like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/FoCUS.SABP

What skills do I need to join the group?

Anybody that uses or has used mental health, learning disability, older people and Drug and Alcohol services in Surrey and North East Hampshire in the last 5 years. Carers are also very welcome.

Why Join?

You can get involved in helping to shape the future of services for people. It’s also an opportunity to meet new people and share experiences.

How do I join?

If you are interested in joining the group or would like to attend a meeting to find out more, please contact Jennie Coulson, who works for Surrey Coalition of Disabled People as the FoCUS Involvement Coordinator. Jennie can be contacted by email Jennie.Coulson@surreycoalition.org.uk, Telephone 01483 456558, Mobile/SMS Text 07492342573 or by using our online contact form.

For FoCUS meeting dates, venues, agendas and notes of previous meetings please visit the FoCUS page on Surrey and Borders Partnership Foundation Trust’s website: FoCUS: Forum of Carers and People Who Use Services : Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (sabp.nhs.uk)

What we offer

Three people smiling on a sailing boat at a Get Active Get Together event

Getting Involved

Specialist interest groups that meet regularly with key health, social care and community partners to co-produce services and to feedback any concerns or issues that are affecting Disabled people
Two people looking at a laptop as part of the Tech to Community project

Technology

Access to technology and advice. If you don’t have access to technology or you need a helping hand to use your device, the Technology team can help
Two people enjoying themselves on a bike at Alice Holt Forest. This was a Get More Active Get Together

Mental Health

A network of people who have had mental ill-health, and carers, who work together with the NHS and social care service providers to improve mental health care in Surrey and North East Hampshire
Flying through the trees on a Zipwire for wheelchair users

Physical Activity

Access to advice and support to help you get active. We offer a one-to-one appointment with our physical activity expert to help you get active. Our physical activity team also signpost and share activities that you can get involved with that are near you. We also offer a monthly meet up to our members.
Our staff member Angie, smiling at the Cranleigh Carnival Event

Campaigning and Influencing

The opportunity to highlight concerns and influence change for Disabled People
Angie and Lucie promoting the work of Surrey Coalition of Disabled People at an event

Keeping you connected

A range of social events from book club, glee club, virtual café, virtual trips and craft club Keeping you updated on everything that is happening in your local community that you can get involved with.

Social model of disability

Disabled worker with colleagues

At Surrey Coalition of Disabled People, we believe in the social model of disability. The Social Model focuses on the changes that need to be made by society such as changes in attitude and social support to overcome barriers and physical change to structures.

Read more about the different models

Our Team

Logo of the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People

We’re a dedicated friendly team that place Disabled people at the centre of everything that we do. Surrey Coalition of Disabled People Board of Directors set the direction and strategy for the organisation. Find out more about the Board of Directors (link)

The staff team ensure the smooth running of the organisation and deliver the strategy. Find out more about the staff team (link)

Contact and joining us

For all our contact details follow this link.  

Stay up to date with everything that we offer at The Coalition by joining us as a member. You’ll be the first to know about everything that we’re doing and here’s the best bit…it’s free to join! 

I've not been out for ages; it was really lovely to get out.
- Get More Active Get Together attendee
Simple acts of kindness that can transform somebody's day to day life
- Tech to Community Connect member